Obituaries

Betty L. Vaningan, 90, of Eau Claire, passed away peacefully at home with her family Monday morning, October 20, 2025.

Betty was born on December 1, 1934, in Altoona, WI, to Russell and Lula (Harmon) Dull. During her life she worked at Peters meats and several meat packing companies. Betty and her husband Donald owned a legendary bar called Don and Betty’s Beehive tavern, which they ran until retirement.

Betty was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She loved spending time at their cottage in Chetek with her husband, her children, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, fishing, and sitting around the fire telling stories and reminiscing. She also enjoyed playing cards on most Friday nights with her family. She was a great cook and made the best hot beef sandwiches and fresh cinnamon rolls.

Betty is survived by her family, her grandsons from her deceased daughter Susan and deceased son-in-law Bill Knapp, Brian (Nicky) Knapp, Kevin Knapp and his sons; Devin (Nevaeh Faith); great-great grandson, Kayson Knapp; and his other sons, Karter Knapp, and Keegan Knapp; daughter, Connie Vaningan; her children, Nick Barry, Anastasia (Lucas) Wolbert, Aidan Wolbert, Everly Wolbert, and Harper Wolbert; daughter, Teresa Vaningan; and son, Mark (Lori) Vaningan; Daniel (Mimi Vo) Vaningan, Michael (Lola Capparo) Vaningan, Nathan (Annie) Vaningan, and Philip Vaningan; other loving family Missy Knapp, and Sharon Dull.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Donald of 70 years; her parents, her daughter, Sue Knapp; son-in-law, Bill Knapp; and sisters, Virginia Dull Kinseth, Francis Loggin, Dolly Dull, and brother John R. Dull.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 30th, 2025, at 4:00 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel. There will be a visitation for two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. An inurnment will immediately follow the service at the Northside Lutheran Cemetery.

Family and friends can leave condolences online at www.smithfuneralec.com.

Family and friends that are unable to attend may join us virtually by clicking the link below.

https://vimeo.com/event/5487350